8 questions for the 2012 Mariners

The 2011 Mariners season ended Wednesday night with a quiet 2-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics.

Not as quiet are the questions already surrounding the 2012 version of the team. Despite a season of transition and an influx of young talent, it’s clear the Mariners front office will have to find some answers to improve upon a 67-win season.

<b>Who plays left field?</b> The Mariners have a lot of options in left field. Unfortunately none is a perfect fit. Mike Carp, above, has the best bat of the group, but maybe the worst glove. Michael Saunders is the best fielder by far, but has yet to prove he can hit big league pitching. Throw in Casper Wells, Trayvon Robinson and a crop of minor-league talent and this could be the most wide-open battle in spring training. less

<b>Who plays left field?</b> The Mariners have a lot of options in left field. Unfortunately none is a perfect fit. Mike Carp, above, has the best bat of the group, but maybe the worst glove. Michael Saunders ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

Image 2 of 10

<b>Who plays first base?</b> At the start of the season, Justin Smoak looked like a long-term answer at first. But after an inconsistent season, he might not be a lock. The team could go after a free agent such as Prince Fielder. It also has Mike Carp, whose bat is a good fit at first. Smoak likely will get a chance to prove himself once more, but if a big free agent is signed, Smoak might get bumped to designated hitter. less

<b>Who plays first base?</b> At the start of the season, Justin Smoak looked like a long-term answer at first. But after an inconsistent season, he might not be a lock. The team could go after a free agent ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

Image 3 of 10

<b>Who plays third base?</b> The question at third is similar to the one in left field. They have solid fielders with little power (Chone Figgins, Kyle Seager). They have a power bat with little big league experience (Alex Liddi). And they have emerging talent in the minors that could compete (Carlos Triunfel, Francisco Martinez). Seager, above, seems like the best solution for now, but this is another position where the Mariners could attempt to acquire a big bat. less

<b>Who plays third base?</b> The question at third is similar to the one in left field. They have solid fielders with little power (Chone Figgins, Kyle Seager). They have a power bat with little big league ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

Image 4 of 10

<b>Who is the real Franklin Gutierrez?</b> Gutierrez has always been considered a player with a lot of upside. So where is it? Digestive problems robbed him of much of 2011 and his bat never got going. He plays a perfect center field, but after three seasons of waiting for him to round into a complete major league player, the Mariners have to be considering a Plan B. less

<b>Who is the real Franklin Gutierrez?</b> Gutierrez has always been considered a player with a lot of upside. So where is it? Digestive problems robbed him of much of 2011 and his bat never got going. He ... more

Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images

Image 5 of 10

Image 6 of 10

<b>Felix and Pineda and pray for rain?</b> The 1-2 combo of Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda is among the best in baseball. After that, the Mariners have three question marks. Jason Vargas will be there, assuming the Mariners don't non-tender him in arbitration. Blake Beaven, above, and Charlie Furbush will be in the mix. But the Mariners have some young talent that could make a splash in 2012. The team will take a look at James Paxton and Danny Hultzen, both of whom could make the jump to the majors at some point in 2012. less

<b>Felix and Pineda and pray for rain?</b> The 1-2 combo of Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda is among the best in baseball. After that, the Mariners have three question marks. Jason Vargas will be there, ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

Image 7 of 10

<b>Do they need a top-flight closer?</b> For a team that is almost certain to be rebuilding for another year, closer is not a position of great concern. Brandon League, coming off a 37-save season with a 2.79 ERA, might be worth more to the Mariners on the trading block than in arbitration, where he is likely to get upwards of $5 million next year. less

<b>Do they need a top-flight closer?</b> For a team that is almost certain to be rebuilding for another year, closer is not a position of great concern. Brandon League, coming off a 37-save season with a 2.79 ... more

Photo: Hannah Foslien / Getty Images

Image 8 of 10

<b>What happens to Chone Figgins?</b> Figgins is owed $18 million over the next two seasons, but he clearly doesn't figure in the Mariners' future. They might let him compete for a spot in spring training, but if he continues to struggle they likely will have to release him and eat the salary. General manager Jack Zduriencik could try to work out a trade for another bad contract, such as <a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/baseball/2011/09/15/what-should-the-mariners-do-with-chone-figgins/">Barry Zito</a>, and hope for the best. less

<b>What happens to Chone Figgins?</b> Figgins is owed $18 million over the next two seasons, but he clearly doesn't figure in the Mariners' future. They might let him compete for a spot in spring training, but ... more

Photo: Leon Halip / Getty Images

Image 9 of 10

<b>Will Ichiro bounce back?</b> Ichiro Suzuki had a bad season by Ichiro standards, but his .272 average, 40 steals and above-average defense still make him a valuable piece. But if he doesn't return to form next season, should he lose his leadoff spot? Should he be platooned in right field with some of the team's young outfield talent? Or is he untouchable? less

<b>Will Ichiro bounce back?</b> Ichiro Suzuki had a bad season by Ichiro standards, but his .272 average, 40 steals and above-average defense still make him a valuable piece. But if he doesn't return to form ... more